Many, many, thanks to all of you who have supported me in my two years as president. Thanks to all the people I have met, from places as far apart as Gateshead and Melbourne, Huddersfield to Hanoi, from teachers in schools to lecturers in universities, from artists to museum and gallery workers, friendships that have blossomed through common aims. We shall go on meeting and talking. Art is my life and Art is my work.

There is absolutely only one way to end this blog, and that is to direct you to one of my favourite bits of musical entertainment. Because, as president, well… I did it my way……www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDyb_alTkMQ

But, if you are listening Nicky Morgan, teachers do a brilliant job in a profession which is driven by data and statistics and where children become numbers and levels rather than people. Respect that. Respect them. Talk and listen.

Merry Christmas to you Michael Gove, your time is nearly over as far as I am concerned, and election 2015 will give us the space and the time to undo the damage you have wreaked on art craft and design education. But- thanks for doing us a great favour, thanks for reminding us all why it is so important.“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values”. (William S. Burroughs)

Building more bridges between the various organisations who attended on Saturday (as the event itself did) is very important. Sharing what we do and seeing how it all connects in ensuring an entitlement to quality art craft and design education for all learners, (from early years to life long learners) is crucial to the success of advocacy. Social media has allowed connections to start, to develop, to flourish. Social media made this event vision happen. The art and design education world has great opportunities to move forward and build on a one day event which was both significant and worthwhile. Let’s not wait too long!

I really liked this comment from Baronness Jones of Whitchurch: “…. if the UK is to have a thriving cultural economy, surely it has to start in schools. However, by any measure, Michael Gove’s tenure in education has been a disaster for the teaching of creative arts in schools.”

And, every time I create an image, or I see and understand one, it reinforces in me that need to make creativity an entitlement for all, in making sure that the Arts are there in the curriculum. They are absolutely essential to human development. Life is very short and we need all the fun and enjoyment that we can get.

I can’t fail to be excited that, from January 1st, I will step into the shoes of many honourable people who have gone before me, when I take over the Presidency of the National Society for Education in Art and Design. I intend to give this my all, and to work alongside people who have the same values as myself to promote and defend what we believe in.

Let me talk about NSEAD: “The Society’s principal aims are to promote and defend art, craft and design education and to look after the professional interests of teachers in this area of education “. For many years we have been successfully promoting. But now we must defend.

Support our campaign to create an APPG for Art, Craft and Design Education.We need the support of all those who value art, craft and design education in the UK.

We need lots of support to set up an APPG. What is an APPG?
An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is a group of parliamentarians, from all parties and from both Houses, formed to discuss a subject in which members have a common interest and enthusiasm.

…..I have loved watching this idea grow, I feel as if I already know people who I will eventually meet and we have created a common creative bond which will inspire and enthuse the teacher educators and the young people that they work with. I love TEA!

But, I will say that I heard and met inspirational people who understand the value of the subject and who have the passion and belief that will help us all to be optimistic and powerful in our own personal roles as advocates and practitioners.

I called this blog “Eat your heart out Michael Gove” because no matter what the coalition decide in terms of what they consider to be the “correct” curriculum, you will never keep these spirited and creative people down.

Running courses this week allows me to find out what is going on in schools and how they are facing up to possible (and probable) curriculum changes. I am really pleased to hear that creativity is still very much on the agenda, especially in the primary schools. Gives me hope for the future. Right now we need that positive approach.

I have spent a large part of a day writing up my responses to the national curriculum and E-Bacc proposals and have found gremlins in the system which make me suspect some Big Brother designed controls ! I have also sent a link to my network teachers and many have said it won’t open…isn’t this all interesting ? But, it […]

Friday was my second day with the Art PGCE students from Northumbria University. I had booked the City Learning Centre in Washington. This will be the last time I do this because the CLCs in the City of Sunderland will not be operational after March 31st. Despite their success and their uniqueness, the local authority has decided to […]

The best type of CPD you can have is a mix of work, social interaction and fun. Just back from an art teachers session at the Culture Cafe in Newcastle, where Kamil always makes us a huge buffet breakfast, wonderful food (squeaky cheese !), scintillating conversation and serious discussion too. So, I have to point you to this link […]